This week’s WBC Digest from World Baseball Network rounds up the latest international commitments, shifting eligibility stories, and tournament details as we inch closer to the 2026 World Baseball Classic. With just 33 weeks to go, national rosters are taking shape—and so are the headlines.
Manny Machado confirmed plans to play for the Dominican Republic, Bobby Witt Jr. will return for Team USA, and Xander Bogaerts will suit up for the Netherlands. Marcelo Mayer joined Mexico’s infield picture, Garrett Stubbs committed to Israel, and Austin Barnes is eyeing a return with Mexico.
Omar Hernandez committed to Cuba, Sebastian Walcott discussed his possible debut, and Luis Leroy Cruz continued to build his case. Ed Cabrera and Lazaro Estrada signaled interest, while Naykel Cruz was ruled out for Cuba.
On Mexico’s side, Valente Bellozo was added to the preliminary roster and Alex Verdugo being DFA’d raised questions about outfield depth. James Wood will compete in the Home Run Derby, Didier Fuentes wants to play for Colombia, and Yadir Drake faces eligibility issues following a PED suspension. Sam Aldegheri also returned to the Angels and could be in Italy’s mix.
Key Newsletter Updates
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Could Suit Up for Panama
The Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder gained Panamanian citizenship after defecting from Cuba in 2016. If he plays for Panama, he could face his birth country in the WBC opener.
Talks are underway between Panama’s national federation and Dbacks OF Lourdes Gurriel Jr as they try and get him to rep Panama at the World Baseball Classic. He is eligible to to play for them because he has citizenship with Panama https://t.co/JLOvfITfoz
— Jeff Duda (@INTLBaseball24) July 13, 2025
Garrett Crochet Interested in Team USA Role
The White Sox left-hander told MassLive that representing Team USA would be “a huge honor.” He has yet to be contacted by USA Baseball but remains interested.
“Just really wanted to finish it out. The bullpen’s been working really hard. … Couldn’t ask to do it for a better group of guys.”
Garrett Crochet caught up with @WebsterOnTV after tossing his first career complete-game shutout 👏 pic.twitter.com/MCojJC4sSi
— NESN (@NESN) July 12, 2025
Ceddanne Rafaela Commits to the Netherlands
The Curaçao-born Red Sox outfielder will suit up for the Kingdom of the Netherlands at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
“I’m excited about it,” said Rafaela, who is from Curaçao. “When [Jones] asked me, of course I wanted to.”
— Ceddanne Rafaela, via Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe on BlueSky (July 9)
According to Abraham, Rafaela committed to Netherlands manager Andruw Jones during a meeting in Atlanta back in May. Rafaela currently leads Major League Baseball in defensive runs saved and is expected to anchor the Dutch outfield in Pool D.
Ticket Sale Dates and Game Times Announced
WBN’s Leif Skodnick broke down the full 2026 WBC pool play schedule and ticket on-sale dates.
Game times and ticket info for the 2026 #WorldBaseballClassic have been announced!
Pool Play starts Thursday, March 5 at the Tokyo Dome with the 2026 champion being crowned on Tuesday, March 17 at loanDepot Park in Miami at 8 pm ET.
Pre-register for tickets:… pic.twitter.com/jaKbvo8bXi
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) July 8, 2025
The tournament kicks off March 5 in Tokyo and ends with the championship March 17 in Miami.
Otto Lopez Returning for Canada
Born in the Dominican Republic but raised in Montreal, Lopez confirmed he will represent Canada again.
Otto López habla del tremendo orgullo de jugar por #TeamCanada en el @WBCBaseball Desde pequeño se fue a vivir a Montreal y habla perfectamente el francés @baseballcanada pic.twitter.com/pTWEjAXwLn
— Alfre Alvarez 🇨🇺 (@AlfreAlvarez3) July 2, 2025
He joins a deep Canadian roster with Freddie Freeman, Edouard Julien, and Bo Naylor.
Brazil’s 2026 Roster Features MLB Talent
Brazil returns to the WBC for the first time since 2013. Jeff Duda reports Bo Bichette, Dylan Lee, and veterans like Tiago da Silva headline the squad, aiming to avoid last place and secure 2030 qualification.
OF Victor Coutinho is off to a fast start in Italy this season. He is second in Serie A in HR with 3 and has an OPS of 1.019. He’ll be on the Brazil roster at the 2026 World Baseball Classic pic.twitter.com/DQCdSsh5Ql
— Jeff Duda (@INTLBaseball24) May 19, 2025
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Fans celebrate after winning the World Baseball Classic qualifying game between Taiwan win Spain in Taipei, Taiwan, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)
